Easter Inspiration: Cauliflower Gratin

Easter Inspiration: Cauliflower Gratin

Easter is just around the corner and I am working on some sides to go with the ham. I grew up scarfing down massive helpings of potatoes gratin and this year I still crave that dish, but want to update it a little. Lately my family is on a cauliflower kick so I thought I would make gratin out it.

My sister was over for the experiment and I began telling her about making a blond roux and mixing it with infused, scalded milk to make bechamel sauce, then adding gruyere and white cheddar to create a mornay sauce. Doesn’t that sound fancy?

She was so impressed that Sylvie was able to make such an elaborate dish. Then she saw how easy it is to make and how amazing it tastes.

Your family and guests will be impressed with all this french cooking (your secret is safe with me) and you will not have any leftover so make sure you get a serving!

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the milk, onion and bay leaf in a medium saucepan and heat over medium until just boiling, remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Put the prepared cauliflower into a 9 inch square baking dish. After 10 minutes strain the milk into a bowl, discard the onion and bay leaf.
3. Melt the butter in the pan over medium. When the butter is liquefied add the flour and whisk for a couple of minutes to form a blond roux.
4. Slowly add the infused milk to the roux and whisk until combined. Cook over medium low until milk begins to thicken, but not boil.
5. Stir in the grated cheese, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour over the cauliflower and stir to cover all pieces. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and cook for 25 minutes.

• • • IMPORTANT • • •
Cooking with a child involves risk. It is important to use caution and common sense when cooking with a child. Although photos may represent children cooking, the cooking is done under close supervision and the images are for entertainment only. The reader is responsible for keeping children at a safe distance from cooking tools, hot stoves and any other potentially harmful cooking apparatus. Always follow manufacturers' instructions and cook at your own risk.